Mazda is hoping that slimming down its lineup will help fatten the company's bottom line. The Japanese automaker has set itself an ambitious target: to trim approximately 100 kilograms (220 lbs.) from each of its next-generation of vehicles. Improved fuel economy is the main driving force behind the push for these lighter vehicles, though maintaining nimble driving dynamics and punchy performance are certainly factors for the company known for its "zoom zoom" marketing tagline. Mazda has already released several models that feature its fuel-saving SkyActiv suite of engine, transmission and chassis enhancements.

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The recently introduced CX-5 crossover – the first Mazda built from the ground up with SkyActiv technology – is hundreds of pounds lighter than the CX-7 SUV that it replaces, and has class-leading fuel economy (when equipped with front-wheel-drive and 6-speed manual gearbox). So far, sales of the CX-5 have exceeded supply, forcing Mazda to boost production to meet global demand. SkyActiv features include 4-cylinder engines with higher compression ratios, smaller and lighter transmissions, and vehicle platforms that have been fine-tuned to trim unnecessary weight.

Chopping weight from larger vehicles, like crossovers or SUVs, is one thing. Moving this weight-saving goal downward, to smaller vehicles, could pose a larger challenge to Mazda since there is usually less curb-weight to cut. Later this month, we'll see how Mazda has incorporated SkyActiv and this push for lighter vehicles into its next Mazda6 midsize sedan. Set to debut at the Moscow Auto Show, Mazda has said the Russian-spec Mazda6 will feature a 2-liter inline-4 cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. U.S. specs and pricing information should be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The new Mazda6, which goes on sale early next year, also includes i-ELOOP, the world's first capacitor-based regenerative braking system. Mazda estimates that the system should provide fuel savings of 10-percent.